Advertisement

Police officer who died in the Westminster terror attack to be awarded medal for bravery

PC Keith Palmer, who died in the Westminster attack, is to be awarded a George Medal for bravery in The Queen's civilian gallantry list.

Credit: Metropolitan Police

The list, published on Friday, commends Keith's heroic actions in protecting members of the public and Parliament from an armed terrorist on Wednesday, 22 March.

PC Palmer, who had served on the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Group since April 2016, was confronted by an attacker - armed with knives - who just moments before had been responsible for the murder of several members of the public on Westminster Bridge.

"Keith acted that day with no thought for his own safety, intent simply on doing his job and protecting members of the public and Parliament. He paid the ultimate price for his selfless actions. We continue to grieve the loss of a much-loved and respected colleague and friend while supporting his family through this truly difficult time."

– Cressida Dick, Metropolitan Police Commissioner

Keith had been in the Metropolitan Police Service for 16 years. Prior to joining the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Group he was a member of the Territorial Support Group, based at Catford but patrolling and working across London.

He was based on Bromley borough between 2002 and 2009. Keith was nominated in 2015 for best thief taker in the Commissioner's Excellence Awards, having made more than 150 arrests in 12 months.